Along Side Ministries

ASM mobilizes the Body of Christ to disciple and equip incarcerated men and women for victorious Christian living.

We exist to help the inmate succeed at his or her transition from prison. We have a way of doing things that have proved over these past decades highly successful.
We will accept men and women into our program once they go through the application and interview process. Once they have completed that process we then partner the inmate with a mentor based on the release date. We look at the release date and match them up with about 10 months from that date. Once they are matched up they begin to work on our materials that we have developed over time. These materials help guide them with both spiritual needs as well as practical life areas they need to prepare for when released.

They build a transitional plan that keeps them focused on what they want to accomplished when released. The inmate working with the mentor for nearly 10 months inside is critical to the success of the inmate. On the outside the mentor and mentee continue the relationship and the working of the plan that was developed inside which is also critical to the success of the released inmate. The mentor relationship is the glue to what we are doing with our ministry. The work the mentor and the mentee put into this program will bring great results in men and women's lives.

The national and Arizona state statistics are real similar, 7 out of 10 will return to prison. If an inmate will graduate from our program they have a fighting chance to stay out of prison. Our stat is 9 out of 10 will not return to prison upon graduation of our program. We are helping these men and women transition and get their feet underneath them as they become productive in our society.

Testimonials

Harriet Hemerling - Program Graduate Becomes Board Member

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

We previously introduced you to Harriet Hemerling in our article on June 15, 2020. (See "Stories" at www.asmaz.com.) Harriet had just graduated from the Along Side Ministries (ASM) program. But her story wasn't over, it was just beginning. Before ASM, Harriet had an impressive track record of success finishing law school at the age of 26 while being a single mother and caring for her young son. She established her own law practice and was doing quite well, but her drinking which began in college soon began to take hold of her. She acquired several DUI's which would end her career and almost take her life. She ended up with a prison sentence of five years. While inside she was introduced to Along Side Ministries, began to participate in our discipleship groups, work with a mentor, and surrendered her life to Christ.

The story and path of Harriet has taken many roads. She has seen great accomplishments and the lowest of life's moments. As she sat in a prison cell, she faced the question all of us must seek and truly answer. Would she fully surrender? Harriet said, "Proverbs 3:5-6 is my favorite verse because I really struggled with surrendering my future to God. I was used to being in control. Surrendering my life and my future was the real breakthrough. I now cooperate with Him as He molds and shapes my life instead of me trying to do it myself."

Harriet completed the 9-month Discipleship Training Program upon her release. She continued meeting with her ASM mentor who she now considers a very close friend. She was able to get her own residence with her 5-year-old son. God is giving her the beauty and gift of raising her son to seek and follow God. She became employed and found a career path with a university. She manages a team of advisors while overseeing the enrollment of both undergraduate and graduate students. She is now active and involved with Living Word Bible Church in Mesa. She serves within Celebrate Recovery and attends the weekly women's Bible study.

Harriet knows that her future will be guided by God and His path will open the right doors. She is trusting God for direction and His timing. Harriet has been searching for ways to give back to ASM and to be connected in a deeper way. The ASM Board was seeking to bring the right graduate to serve as a new Board member. Harriet was recommended and was unanimously approved. Harriet became the first ASM program graduate to serve on the Board of Directors.

In this new role, Harriet looks to bring to light the experiences of those who have gone through it and reach back to help those still suffering. She is proof the ASM program works and feels that God uses transformed lives to change the world. She desires to see ASM grow and make an even greater impact in the community. The need is great. The beauty of watching God transform lives is evident in Harriet's story. His gracious hand is guiding her along the best path for her life...